Behind-The-Scenes Look At Basilica Renovations

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — As the Basilica of Saint Mary gets close to its 100th anniversary, it’s undergoing some makeovers.

On Wednesday, the basilica showed off its newly restored sacristy.

WCCO-TV got a behind-the-scenes tour of the sacred room where the priests prepare for mass. Renovations replaced a lot of the ceiling because of water damage.

The restoration now reveals the beauty of the basilica’s original colors and decorations. Most of the renovation work involved cleaning the walls from years of dust and burning candles.

The restoration project is supported by a grant from American Express after the basilica won a Facebook competition. It got the most votes among 25 historic sites located around the Twin Cities and was awarded more than $100,000.

There will be a solemn dedication to show off the work at the basilica on Sunday.